English and European History The Tower of London Essay

Tower of London The age old fortress stands as a monument of English and European history. Through monarchs, bloody battles, from prisoners to executions and a touch from all London’s prominent events in history, the Tower Of London is renowned for more than just its magnificent appearance. The tower was founded by William, Duke of Normandy when he conquered England in 1066. He began building the stronghold as a declaration of his power to the English people who were resentful of his reign. William invaded England and defeated King Harold and his armies at the Battle of Hastings. When he began building, the white tower was constructed, which was the first step of many more additions to make the castle we see today. Because it was built†¦show more content†¦Once this became viewed as too uncivilized and brutal, the menagerie was used as a zoo instead. Later even the zoo was closed after several animals escaped and attacked each other. In the winter a large Ice rink is opened to the public at the west wall of the grounds. The Ice rink is frozen over a large field to make a spectacular attraction to the royal castle. Today the tower is mostly used as museum and display showcase for the British War Department. The Royal Regalia is on display in the Jewel House. Th is magnificent spectacle consists of the Imperial Crown, which was fashioned for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838. The largest piece of diamond cut from the Cullinan crystal was made into the Star of Africa, a 530 carat diamond that was placed on the royal crown. Although the tower is a great tourist site, it has a rich and bloody past. The Tower of London is well known for its infamous prison, which held many recognizable names throughout history. Ranulf Flambard a chief tax-collector, was imprisoned under King Henry I. He was the first prisoner in the tower and he escaped the prison. Flambard had made himself unpopular doing King William Rufus’s dirty work, collecting large taxes and becoming very rich. When William died, his brother Henry I accused the Bishop of extortion and sent him to the White Tower in chains. Flambard escaped by a rope off a castle wall and met his friends on the green to help himShow MoreRelatedIreland: The Invention of Tradition1063 Words   |  5 Pagesor mythological events, people or symbols that reinforce the image required to focus people’s conception of the past. People can be encouraged to invent a cohesive view of their shared ‘traditions’ by what could be called cherry picking bits of history. The ancient mythology of Ireland is one of its’ greatest assets. The glorious, poetic tales of battles, super humans, demigods and heroes ranks among the best of ancient literature. The book of the Dun Cow, (Lebor na huidre), was written aroundRead More St. Pauls Cathedral in London, England Essay1121 Words   |  5 PagesCathedral, in London, England, was designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren. Approval of this most significant architectural project took six years just for the plan. Construction, which began in 1675, took thirty-five years until finally complete in 1710. It was built to replace a church that had been leveled by the Great Fire of 1666. St. Pauls is the largest cathedral in England, and said to be Wrens masterpiece. He brought a range of new forms, and architectural combination into English architectureRead MoreReview Of The Video Robin Hood 1283 Words   |  6 Pagesof Sherwood forest. The text (story) is found on this link https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=oz8FOvdOit4 Background This story takes place in England, during King Richard’s reign from 1189 to 1199, in the middle ages also as the medieval times (European history beginning at the downfall of Rome in 476AD until about 1500AD). During the middle ages, the form of government and society that was set up was called the feudal system. It was based on the ownership of land. While the king of a region owned allRead MoreInfluence on the Royal and Victorian Crowns1180 Words   |  5 Pagesin styles and design have occurred throughout history. A leader in this design was Queen Victoria of England. She wore many beautiful crowns during her extensive reign, and this inspired the present day value of crowns inside the British Monarchy. A crown is usually defined as, â€Å"†¦from the earliest times, a distinctive head ornament that has served as a reward of prowess and a sign of honour and dominion† (Britannica, 1). Throughout classical history, many athletes, poets, and successful warriorsRead More Queen Elizabeth Essay examples1227 Words   |  5 Pagesspare time together. The only real time that the two of them were apart was when it came to schooling. She received her education under the famous scholar and humanist Roger Ascham. Under his guidance, Elizabeth studied Greek and Roman classics, read history and theology, and learned both classical and modern languages. She was considered extremely intelligent, and records say that, in her youth, she spoke six languages. In 1547 Henry VIII died. At the age of fourteen Edward became King Edward VI. HeRead MoreMedieval Period – Feudal System and Architecture3601 Words   |  15 Pagesthe Romanesque style utilizes are towers and many of them are st ill standing today. Towers are constructed in many different shapes; square, circular, and octagonal are a few. They are also positioned in different ways in relationship to the layout of the church. Normally, the larger Romanesque towers are square shaped with buttresses positioned low and at the corners of the tower. The towers would increase in height but would not decrease in volume. The towers are commonly marked at certain stagesRead MoreA Research Study On Brussels1639 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract: History has led to the form (its physical shape) and function (purpose it performs or performed) of what is seen today. Brussels establishment, fortification, ratating formthe centre of Brussels. Covering up of the river Seene and how the physical shape of Brussels looks today. Location: Brussels capital region is located roughly in the middle of Belgium and is currently the capital and is the largest metropolitan area in Belgium. Belgium is located in Western Europe and shares bordersRead MoreCulture And Heritage Of London1413 Words   |  6 PagesCulture of London London is known as the capital and biggest city of the United Kingdom and known as a global city in a world-class league. Next to that, London is also the political, economical and cultural centre of the country. London has over 30 million visitors every year (Mayor of London, 2015). My question is, what makes London such a unique city? 80% of visitors say ‘culture heritage’ are the reason for their visit. Next to some other international cities, London is known as the cultureRead MoreThomas Mores Utopia and its impact on English society during the Renaissance.1433 Words   |  6 PagesThe Middle Ages were followed by the Renaissance, a time in which art and literature flourished. Thomas More, the first English humanist of the Renaissance, was born in London during this period. Mores style is simple because of its colloquial language but a deeper look into his irony hints at deep dissatisfaction with the current thought and desire for change. Utopia (which in Greek me ans nowhere) is the name of Mores fictional island of perfected society. Thomas Mores Utopia was theRead MoreEssay on Colonization of Pennsylvanis by William Penn1298 Words   |  6 PagesIndians, and ensured that they were paid fairly for their lands. Penn even learned several different Indian dialects in order to communicate in negotiations without interpreters. The freedom of religion in Pennsylvania brought not only freedom to English, Welsh, German and Dutch Quakers to the colony, but also Huguenots, Mennonites, Amish, and Lutherans from Catholic German states. In 1677, a group of prominent Quakers, among them Penn, received the colonial province of West New Jersey. That same